Man, She Feels Like a Woman: Shania Twain’s Style Evolution

Two years after releasing her debut album in 1993 and on the heels of her second studio release, Shania Twain – who’d been singing to help put food on her family’s table since the age of eight – didn't exactly experience smooth sailing on the path to stardom. In one of her earliest awards show appearances, Twain opted for a look that would become her signature: a cropped top and low-rise pants.

In high-waisted pants and a crop top, Shania Twain made her grand entrance at the 1997 American Music Awards.

Already used to the winner’s circle, Shania made juggling all those awards look easy – but her dress was a definite miss that evening. A high-neck, velvet gown in an ill-fitting cut did nothing for Twain’s toned frame.

Over the years, Shania has become known for her love of a good leopard print – and if her outfit for the 1999 Academy of Country Music Awards is any indication – the hard-to-pull-off print seems to love her right back.

With a “more is more” approach to fashion, Shania stepped out for the 2001 American Music Awards in something that looked more costume than couture.

After a two-year hiatus during which saw the birth of her son Eja with then-husband, producer Robert Lange, as well as a change in music management, Shania was back on the scene, proving she was still the one with this stunning red carpet moment.

Performing at the Super Bowl that same year and continuing to top the music charts with new releases, you’d think Shania would’ve shown up to the American Music Awards looking a little more... put together. Instead, this outfit felt like a bizarre homage to Edward Scissorhands, and left us wondering why the woman in her couldn’t seem to step it up in the style department.

A sparkly choker, yellow tank-top, full skirt and exposed bra straps – we’re really not sure where to start on Shania look for the 2004 CMAs. But here’s the thing – with that show-stopping smile and a reputation for being one of the nicest stars on the scene, you just can’t help but give her a pass on all these major fashion faux pas over the years.

OK, so it’s not a fashion-slay moment – but it’s a start. While, yes, her hair may have been a little prom-esque and her self-tan a little overkill, Shania pulled it off at the 2006 Kennedy Center Honors, looking like a real-life country-music Barbie doll.

In a classic, strappy white gown, minimal accessories, and her hair swept back in an elegant up-do, Shania absolutely nailed her look at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2007.

It was a rocky year for Shania on a personal level, as she announced her split from husband Robert Lange after his affair with Twain’s best friend, Marie-Anne Thiébaud, came to light. Still, Twain kept it moving, showing up for the CMA Awards that year and taking another win in the style department with this simple strapless black number.

After flying under the radar for a few years, Shania seemed to undergo a career revival in 2011. Fresh off her divorce and bringing the whole thing full circle, Twain would re-marry – this time to Frédéric Thiébaud. If that last name sounds familiar, it’s because he was the ex-husband of her former best friend Marie-Anne, who had had an affair with Twain’s ex-husband Robert Lange – whew! – did you catch all that?

All about new beginnings, Twain stepped out in a simple white midi dress to announce her 2012 Las Vegas Run at Caesar’s Palace.

Shania Twain’s approach to fashion has always been full-throttle, and whether it’s onstage or on the red carpet, there’s never been anything subdued about the singer’s style.

Happily married and still enjoying her residency at Caesar’s Palace, Shania was all smiles, putting her best (thigh-high) boot forward at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2013.

Shania’s black suit ensemble may have looked simple at first glance – but we should have known better. As it turns out, Twain’s pants revealed a billowing flare-bottom detail. Do we love it? Not at all. Does she make it work? Of course. It’s Shania!

Doing her usual wear-every-trend-at-once thing, Shania stepped out for a gala event in 2017 and had our eyes darting all over the place. From odd layers to an overdose of velvet, embellished jeans and platform pumps – it was a lot.

For her appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in 2018, Shania wore a belted, leopard-print maxi skirt and check-print button-down shirt. We know, we know...

We’re just going to leave this here...

At this point, we’re not even sure why we’re surprised anymore. Shania showed up to a gala event in 2019 wearing a mixed-print cardigan and skirt combo that – of course – included some not-so-subtle hints of leopard print.

While there’s been no shortage of leopard print in Shania’s recent rotation, we’re choosing to nix it and end this style evolution on a different note: feathers. One thing’s for certain: the country music legend is never going to stop giving us something to talk about on the fashion front – and we love her for it.